Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS)
The Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) is a quick and simple tool used by healthcare professionals to assess cognitive function. It is commonly used to screen for cognitive impairment and to identify patients who may need further evaluation for conditions such as dementia or delirium.
Components of the AMTS
The AMTS consists of 10 questions, each designed to test different aspects of cognitive function. The questions are as follows:
|
Question |
Score (0 or 1) |
| 1 |
What is your age? |
|
| 2 |
What is the time (to the nearest hour)? |
|
| 3 |
What is the year? |
|
| 4 |
What is the name of the hospital (or the location you are in)? |
|
| 5 |
Can you recognize two people (e.g., the doctor, nurse, or a relative)? |
|
| 6 |
What is your date of birth (day and month)? |
|
| 7 |
In which year did World War I begin? |
|
| 8 |
Count backwards from 20 to 1. |
|
| 9 |
Can you recall an address given to you to remember at the beginning of the test? (e.g., "42 West Street") |
|
| 10 |
What is the name of the current monarch (or president)? |
|
Scoring: Each correct answer scores 1 point. A total score of 7 or above suggests normal cognitive function, while a score below 7 may indicate cognitive impairment.
Scoring the AMTS
Each correct answer scores one point, for a total possible score of 10 points. A score of 7 or less suggests cognitive impairment, and the patient may require further assessment and investigation.
Uses of the AMTS
- Screening Tool:
- Used to quickly assess cognitive function in various clinical settings, such as hospitals, general practice, and outpatient clinics.
- Monitoring Cognitive Function:
- Helps in monitoring changes in cognitive function over time, particularly in elderly patients or those with conditions affecting cognition.
- Guiding Further Assessment:
- Identifies patients who may need more comprehensive cognitive testing, neurological evaluation, or referral to specialist services.
Limitations of the AMTS
- Sensitivity and Specificity:
- The AMTS is a screening tool and not a definitive diagnostic test. It may not detect mild cognitive impairment and can be influenced by factors such as education level, language, and cultural differences.
- Not Comprehensive:
- While the AMTS is useful for initial screening, it does not provide a detailed assessment of all cognitive domains and should be followed up with more thorough testing if impairment is suspected.
Summary
The Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) is a valuable tool for quickly assessing cognitive function and identifying potential cognitive impairment in patients. It consists of 10 questions that evaluate different cognitive abilities, with a score of 7 or less indicating possible impairment. While useful as a screening tool, the AMTS should be supplemented with more comprehensive assessments when necessary.